Variable Types
Variable Types
Variable Types
Continuous or Discrete
A continuous variable is one for which, within the limits of the variable's range, any value is possible. For example, the variable, "time to solve a math problem" is continuous since it could take 2 minutes, 2.13 minutes, etc., to finish the problem. The variable, "number of correct answers on a multiple choice test" is not continuous since it is not possible to get 54.12 problems correct. Other examples of continuous quantitative variables are temperature, age, height, weight and time. A variable that is not continuous is called discrete.
A discrete quantitative variable is one that cannot take on all values within the limits of the range. For example, responses to a five point rating scale can only take on the values 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The variable cannot have the value 1.7. With a discrete variable it is possible to list all possible values. Other examples of discrete quantitative variables are the number of legs on an animal, number of siblings, ACT scores, IQ scores, and shoe size.
A discrete quantitative variable is one that cannot take on all values within the limits of the range. For example, responses to a five point rating scale can only take on the values 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The variable cannot have the value 1.7. With a discrete variable it is possible to list all possible values. Other examples of discrete quantitative variables are the number of legs on an animal, number of siblings, ACT scores, IQ scores, and shoe size.